Annie Junior

Opening Remarks

On 2 July 2022 Irchester Players CIO (‘Irchester Players’) achieved something very special indeed: the charity’s youth division, Irchester Players Youth, staged its first production. Whilst it is true that Irchester Players Youth had already staged concerts, showcases, and other public events, this was the first time the youth division had put on a fully-fledged production – a musical!

I want to congratulate all at Irchester Players and Irchester Players Youth for reaching this monumental milestone. To have achieved one of the founding objectives of the youth division is something to be celebrated and applauded with gusto. Well done!

Having been involved in the initial creation of Irchester Players Youth, I want to acknowledge the steadfast commitment of Alex McKenzie, Chloe Ellson, and Grace Baker-Brown in the delivery of the founding vision of Irchester Players Youth. As members of the original team that launched Irchester Players Youth in the summer of 2018, these individuals have worked tirelessly to bring into existence a drama youth group in Irchester and North Northants that contributes so much to the lives of young people. A massive well done and thank you, from me to you!

I say a huge well done to the Irchester Youth Players members, some of whom have been with the division since its creation; the growth these young people have experienced – literal and internal – is outstanding and brings such feelings of pride to those that have witnessed such growth!

I also, in recognition of this special occasion, recognise the work of all other Irchester Players members – past and present – in the creation, design, and delivery of Irchester Players Youth.

The Show

‘Annie, the Musical’ is extremely well known. The production that has graced Broadway, the West End, and the Big Screen really needs no introduction.

However, for the small minority that may not have come across the production, the book plots the adventures of Annie, a young orphan living in New York. In a bid to find happiness and escape the awful Miss Hannigan, Annie goes exploring in the Big City. Whilst on her adventures she meets a new pal, a little dog called Sandy. The pair then unravel an exciting, at times gripping, heart-wrenching and warming plot that ultimately sees Annie (and her fellow orphans) find happiness and Miss Hannigan (and her cronies) get their comeuppance.

The Junior version of ‘Annie’ compresses the much-loved book and score into one act: the compression, however, in no way detracts from the overall production and the show’s most loveable numbers are all still present and accounted for.

The book is written by Thomas Meehan, the music is by Charles Strouse, and the lyrics are by Martin Charnin.

Creatives

A massive congratulation to the creatives of this youth production. Chloe Ellson and Alex McKenzie did a very good job in directing the youth members. To manage such a diverse range of ages, abilities, and talent is no easy task; however, Chloe and Alex seemed to manage it with ease. Together they created a slick production in which all the youth members played brilliant parts and had time to shine.

Chloe Ellson did an equally impressive job when it comes to choreography. Her work was ambitious, particularly given the diverse range of abilities in the youth membership. This, however, as is often the case with Chloe’s work, paid off.

The musical direction of the youth members was also very good. All solo numbers were well delivered and arranged. Group numbers were excellent – I was impressed by the rich sound and texture created by a youth group. Very well done.

I also want to acknowledge the work of Grace Baker-Brown. I am aware that Grace, as Youth Assistant, has played a key role in this production – supporting the youth members at rehearsals each week and during the show – and the success of the youth group overall.

Cast

Wow – what an amazing job the member of Irchester Players Youth did!

I was extremely impressed by the work of all in the cast. The principals all presented their characters well and with real attention to stagecraft. The chorus was equally as strong, offering meaningful interactions and characterisation on stage.

Together the members of Irchester Players Youth produced an enjoyable evening of theatre entertainment for an audience packed with appreciative family members and friends. Through their great energy and developing stage presence, the youth members brought to life the story of Annie for all present, which had the audience, smiling, laughing, crying, and cheering in all the right places.

I would like to acknowledge the growth and development I can see in all the youth members, especially those that have been with the Irchester Players Youth since its creation – these individuals shone particularly brightly. This, to me, shows what brilliant work the charity does for building confidence and talent in young people.

 

I saw on stage much talent, and I look forward to plotting the continued growth of these young actors and seeing their transition to Irchester Players as they become young adults.

Production

The scenery, costumes and properties were all suitable for the nature of the production. The sound was of a very good standard and the lighting design was very effective for the production.

Congratulations to Ben Miles, stage manager – the production ran with ease and professionalism, which is not an easy thing to achieve with wings full of young people.

I extend my thanks to the chaperones without whom the entire production could not have been staged. 

Closing Remarks

My warmest congratulations for a great production of ‘Annie’ and a job very well done!

I very much hope that this will be the first of many more Irchester Players Youth productions.

I thank Irchester Players for the extremely warm and genuine hospitality shown to me upon my visit – it is always a privilege to be welcomed back to my old community theatre home. Thank you!

I look forward to seeing the charity’s next production.

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